Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

I also share Senator Coghlan's concerns about the office of the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism in Killarney. Senator Healy Eames raised the issue of flood victims. She feels strongly about this and I suggest she raises this on the Adjournment. I will do everything I can to assist the Senator in her quest.

Senators Harris and Daly commented on Iraqis going to the polls. I share Senator Harris's delight that this day has happened and that many women candidates participated in the election. He referred to what it means to be Irish, the importance of the family and the family's role in our society. I fully agree with all the issues regarding the family.

Senator Ó Murchú congratulated the Minister for Foreign Affairs regarding the plight of the people of Gaza. He was the first EU Minister for foreign affairs to visit there since the Israeli invasion and to witness the dreadful situation in which the people find themselves. A total of 1,400 people have lost their lives. I agree with Members that we must stand up to this aggression and we must support the people of Gaza. If human rights are to mean anything, Ireland, as a small nation, must stand tall on this issue and use its influence to bring this issue to the attention of the EU or larger nations.

Senators Buttimer and Feeney called on the social partners to return to the negotiating table. A good suggestion was made that the Taoiseach should participate and allow talks to proceed on the basis of co-operation which we have seen since 1987. Ireland has been a leader in what can be achieved when there is a consensus on all sides and it has never been more needed that it is now. I look forward to the day the Taoiseach and the social partners get around the table again in the coming weeks to take Ireland into the 21st century, which is what we all want to see.

Senators O'Malley, Feeney and McDonald called for a debate on domestic violence. I will make this a priority and I will come back to the House tomorrow with a date for this.

Senators Quinn and Butler referred to the obligation on the unions and they raised serious concerns about the unions' announcement regarding schools, hospitals and social welfare offices. I fully support their call.

Senator Feeney congratulated Bishop Willie Walsh who called on the Holy Father to apologise to the victims of clerical abuse. I join the Senator in expressing thanks to the bishop for his utterances. I heard the radio interview and I support the wish that the Holy Father would avail of the opportunity and do what Bishop Walsh has quite correctly called for.

Senator Callely called for a debate on NAMA and on the challenges facing our country. The Finance Bill will be taken in this House the week after St. Patrick's Day at which time all these issues can be discussed. The Cabinet reshuffle will also take place around that time. I will examine the position then with colleagues to arrange when debates will take place on the progress of NAMA and credit availability as well as on all the challenges facing the country. I can assure Members this Leader will not be found wanting in allocating time on a fortnightly or three weekly basis in terms of reviewing the position and assisting the Minister for Finance of the day with our proposals and views.

Senator Callely also called for a debate on the issue of support and services for older people, for which I agreed to make time available a few weeks ago.